I really like it. I can see a new downtown to Ballard-Fremont line to have that kind of tram.

You don't want that lol. It only has top speed of 25 mph on the 3rd rail shoes. The Seattle streetcar can go up to 45-50 mph which is the spec of the train, same with Tacoma Link. Many city buses go up to 35-40 mph on the city streets without trying.

I wholeheartedly support the plan of expanding the Seattle trolly/streetcar system. I think trams are not only practical, but I think they add a charming quality to the local neighborhoods.

I must note that I do not approve of the "honor system" that takes place in the South Lake Union line. Even though many do partake in paying their fare, I don't think it is a reliable or realistic strategy. That said, I am not sure what alternatives could be used.

My family has lived in and around Seattle since the late 1800's. I have heard many stories of the former Seattle trolley network, and the city itself back in the day.

I found this video on youtube a couple of months ago. It is a propaganda piece (I assume from GM) depicting Seattle's change from Streetcars to trolley busses. What a horrible decision to make in retrospect, but I thought it was worthy of sharing, even though the quality is quite poor.

I would imagine a DT Seattle - Fremont - Ballard streetcar could be completed pretty quickly.

There used to be a railroad that ran next to Westlake Ave along Lake Union which is now a trail/parking lot for which we could utilize the right of way.

Then, the streetcar could piggyback on Fremont Bridge (originally constructed with streetcars) and continue on through Fremont and Ballard.

Depending on how much of the row along Lake Union could be used for a streetcar, this could be built with limited running on the actual roadway and relatively cheaply too.

Imagine, construction starts 2012-2013, by 2014 the construction is completed and we will have a reliable transit connection in completed in two years. This could serve as a "stop-gap" until an actual LRT/Subway line to Ballard is built (which I assume will have to wait until North Link to at least Northgate is completed around 2020).

Not dreaming but a little agressive on your timeline. Add about another 3-4 years for alternative analysis, environmental impact study, planning, property acquisition (where necessary), etc. Construction of the First Hill run is to take a little over a year. The Ballard line would take much longer and I still wonder how to run it across the Fremont Bridge.

Doubt it. Most everything there are grid surface streets, which can handle disruption well (slow traffic on Jackson? go to Yesler. or King. or...). SLU has one of the few freeway on/offramp in that area of the city, so everyone west of there pretty much had to pass through that area.

However, this isn't just the installing of tracks, wires, and a few islands. It also includes (along Broadway) the cycle track and a 'road diet' to some degree. I think primarily loss of parking, but some lane loss too.

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